The car is a 97 Mirage-Evo conversion using all E5 front suspension components. It still has the Mirage steering rack. The trans and transfer case is from an E5. Note: the t-case was rebuilt prior to me buying the car.

The noise is an in-sequence, 3 clunks while turning left only from a standstill, and sometimes while going forward from a standstill. While the car is rolling it does not produce the sound. Few that have rode in the car think its the driveshaft, though upon inspection, it is not loose. They believe the noise is coming from under the center console area. I have sat in the passenger seat and its hard to tell if its the passenger axle or under the center console. A better description would be near the pass footwell, as I can feel it every so slightly. Also, it tends to make the noise only on a slightly faster takeoff. If driven slowly, doesnt always produce the noise.

The noise sounds very similar to a bad axle, though the noise is slightly more deep toned (clunk as opposed to click). I thoroughly inspected the pass axle and there is no visible rips or leaks from the boots.

Otherwise, the car while rolling drives fine. No noises present while its moving. The trans shifts beautifully through each gear, and both trans and tcase were topped off.

My only thought is the carrier bearings for the driveshaft. Though why would it make a noise at a standstill vs rolling? If the bearing was bad, shouldnt it make a noise whenever its in motion?

One other side note: Its been said that E5/6s have clunking problems with the center of gravity is too low. Since hearing the noise, The car was raised another 3/4", yet noise is still present. At this point, the car is lowered roughly 1/2" from stock.

 

Try jacking up your car in the front and rotating the wheel by hand and see if when you move the wheel that the axle hesitates to move